KENNEDY, Vernon Clarence

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/24/2008 Loving dad, granddad and friend, Vernon Clarence Kennedy, 83, died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, in Mesa. He was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Glendale to the late Cicero K. and Mamie R. (Rand) Kennedy. Vernon served his country during WWII in the military police of the U.S. Army. He worked in many occupations, mining, logging and especially enjoyed the time he spent hauling cross country in his semi-truck, but for the most of his life he was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic, serving as a civilian in that capacity in Vietnam during that conflict. He has worked and supported himself from the age of 12; it led him to many places, but Snowflake was his home. He enjoyed traveling with his late wife Pat in their motorhome, often taking family members with them or meeting them along the way. He was a good-hearted person and provided a car or a place to live for many who had neither. He enjoyed working on cars. "We will miss calling to describe a sound our cars were making and having him tell us what to check," his family said. He was usually right. He loved his family, and always looked forward to and enjoyed their visits. He is survived by his children, Mamie (Tony) Adams, Dixie (John, deceased) Barr, Laura McKey and Donnie Kennedy; stepsons John (Lorna, deceased), Rick and Steve Cochran, LeRay (Diane) and John Childers; stepdaughters Tina (Rick) Elis and Cheryl (Todd) Wright; brother Percy Kennedy; three sisters, Olive Burnett, Nettie Schanwald and Lauira Schanwald; 37 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Kennedy; Edna VanCleave (mother of his four children); four brothers; three sisters; three grandsons; and one granddaughter. "We all love you dad, thanks for loving us back. Sweet dreams." A memorial service will be held at a later date.